Summertime Garden Party Menu

My personal recipe for a wonderful life: Family + Friends + Food = Happiness. Thus far this summer has been a whirlwind of activity filled with the first two components of my equation: visiting family in New Jersey, friends from Copenhagen visiting me and, playing one of my favorite roles ‘fun aunt’ with various kids, related or not. Missing from my personal recipe for a wonderful life was food. Worry not, the food aspect was more than satisfied when I got together with four other fabulous food bloggers to cook up a Summertime Party Menu. The menu is packed with the tastes of summer that’s so easy to whip up. Let me introduce you to the ladies who made fabulous food while laughing, talking and taking photos.

Welcome! I’m Kelly from Tasting Page, and happy to kick off the Summertime Garden Party with an all natural fruit focused beverage. My blog focuses on unprocessed, real food recipes and this one is no exception. This refreshing summer drink uses no refined sugar because we have all the sweetness we need from ripe mangos, juicy oranges and a squeeze of lime. Mint brightens things up and jalapeño throws in some spice. Depending on the summer soiree you’re looking to have, you can top this with sparkling water for some effervescence and clear-headed thinking, or have some fun, and throw in some tequila to get the party started.

Hi I’m Cathy from She Paused 4 Thought and I think summer entertaining should be simple, flavorful and visually appealing. My blog focuses on getting out of a rut in the kitchen with fun, uniquely combined whole foods with a global spin. This gorgeous gazpacho will have your guests swooning over a unique combination of garden fresh tomatoes and seasonally ripe strawberries. You can make this ahead of time and keep it chilled until your guests arrive. Garnish with strawberries or mint and get the party rolling.

Hi! I’m Valentina from Cooking On The Weekends. Working with whole foods and seasonal ingredients, my focus is creating unique and comforting food for casual entertaining. I love rich and intense flavors, and serving them in ways my guests will never forget. This scrumptious summer appetizer is no exception — creamy goat cheese, sweet and spicy heirloom tomato preserves, and fresh mango make it a bite to remember!

Hi I’m Christina from Christina’s Cucina, a Scots-Italian who has been baking since I was 7 years old. Today, I’m sharing a fresh fruit and meringue dessert to end your meal. I was inspired to create this dessert based on a recipe card I saw while in the UK at a Mark’s and Spencers grocery store. It’s fresh, light and balanced, and should be a perfect way to end your Summertime Garden Party! Enjoy!

It was a blast cooking with everyone. We ate, laughed, talked, learned, and photographed all the food and the action. I might have to expand my happiness equation.

Comments

Oh dear! There’s that dorky picture of me again! At least I’m having fun and I must say, I feel sorry for people who say they don’t like to cook. I mean, it’s SO MUCH FUN that to me, it’s like saying, “I don’t like to have fun!” I can’t wait for our next get-together, Judy! And I LOVED that lamb and lima bean puree (never thought I’d say that last part)! 😉